Championship Drag Racing

O’Reilly NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals
Bristol, Tenn.
(May 16-18)

EVENT HOME
   Event Info
   Tickets
   Event schedule
   Results
   Team Reports
   Audio Broadcast
   Photo Galleries
   Video highlights
   Entry List

Driver Profile

Mike Ashley ProCare RX Dodge Charger

Bristol, Saturday:  Mike Ashley came within .012-second Saturday of making the starting Funny Car lineup for Sunday’s O’Reilly Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway.

But he will be racing on Sunday anyway, thanks to his versatility and love of Pro Mod racing. Ashley, who began the weekend with an entry in each category, won his opening Pro Mod race Saturday soon after his last Funny Car run of 4.916 seconds. He needed to run better than 4.904 seconds to grab 16th place.

Melanie Troxel, driver of the Gotham City Racing ProCare Rx Dodge Charger R/T, held onto 11th place and meets Tony Pedregon in the first round.

“Both cars ran good today,” said Ashley. “We just missed getting in by just a little bit, but I think (crew chief) Aaron Brooks and the Lend America/ProCare Rx/Gotham City Dodge Charger R/T crew have a good handle on the car.

“I am really excited about winning the first round in Pro Mod. Right now, I’ m focusing on winning the second round tomorrow. We’ll get the Funny Car ready for Topeka (May 30-June 1). I won my first NHRA Funny Car race at Topeka last year and I’m looking forward to going back to defend my title.”

E-mail this article   Print this article